I’ve been lurking the board for about 2 months and mostly asking questions to a select few members while I decide my build parts and materials. I’ve decided to post this here to help future SE fetters and get as much input as possible from TDH members so I don’t screw anything up. Below you’ll find the PARTS I’m purchasing or thinking about, then the PAINTS I’ve compiled from threads and videos, then the TOOLS a rookie should think about buying and finally the QUESTIONS I’m still trying to answer about my build. I’ve started ordering parts I’m sure about, and I’ll start posting pictures as they arrive and I paint. Any thoughts, especially on the questions at the bottom, would be greatly appreciated.
BE CRITICAL NOW, so my Fett will be the best he can. Thanks all.

Here is a link the very comprehensive excel file I’ve been using to keep track of everything

--QUESTIONS--
-Is a balaclava needed if you use BooBooFett’s Chin Skirt or will I just cook myself?
-What decals are authentic to use on the helmet/armor/jet pack?
-Do many people really use a voice amplifier if so which ones? I have been looking at the Voice Booster.
-What aluminum greeblies really make a difference compared to a painted resin part?
-I have read aluminum shin tools weigh a fair amount and clank/bounce around so I’m leaning toward plastic and resin tool, does anyone still make a resin set? I’ve seen Bobamaker for $127 but that seems high.
-I’d love a metal ee-3 but for now I’ve been looking at Stormrider’s blaster with wood stock, adding a Tasco scope 4x20, metal tube inside the barrel for reinforcement and possibly to add light/sound from a toy gun too, but we'll see. Looks like RS Prop Masters is coming out with a new ee-3 also with a metal bar to reinforce the weapon, does anyone know details on this?

wow, finally done with this post... Thanks all for any help, and I hope this helps others.

Jul 21, 2013

MrDickJones

Re: Special Edition ROTJ WIP

Bobamaker weathered decals are amazing!! i have a resin beacon and so far it has worked out okay! Good luck on the build, look forward to seeing some pictures!
I actually just got a set of the raido shack push buttons today. the Mini 4-pack push buttons end up being too tall, but with some grinding and glue I think they can work out ok.

Jul 21, 2013

JodoKast89

Re: Special Edition ROTJ WIP

You have a VERY solid list here, Paul! I look forward to seeing this suit complete!!

I promise not to disappoint on aluminum things! I will have knee darts available for the FP knees as well :)

Jul 22, 2013

DeathProof

Re: Special Edition ROTJ WIP

A very comprehensive list, my friend!! Always a fan of a good spreadsheet ;)

Something I noticed thought that you should take into account - Fettpride does not include gauntlet darts (resin or aluminum) with his kit (I too am getting the full deal from him). You should check out JodoKast89 when he gets the darts up and running as they should fit FP gear.

As for a Voice Booster, some of the 501st from my local squad trust the Aker products, but I don't think you need the one you listed - having an FM radio coming out of your chest may not jive with the whole Fett thing... :) Try the 1505 or the 1506 if you wanna save $10.

As for decals, shoulder and chest I would definitely get from Lucky31 or Bobamaker, but the jetpack, helmet ears and kill stripes you may have fun painting on your own using some stencils.

I for one am going to forgo the balaclava - I think it would just get too hot in there. If you have long hair it may be a good idea, but anything to keep things cool and comfy is a big concern.

It seems you and I have a similar shopping list from the same vendors! I will be watching this thread with great interest!

Looking forward to seeing how you install your hard hat interior, and where you get your resin shin tools from. Also interested in your gauntlet LEDs :)

Best of luck with the build!

Jul 22, 2013

Wes7

Re: Special Edition ROTJ WIP

Great list. Just so you know... Fettronics doesn't charge extra for you to customize your display sequence and thanks to RafalFett you can have a more accurate display than their basic ones.

I use resin shin tools. They are light enough, and since they're down by your ankles, I never really cared I don't have original Paterson tools, etc.

A tip on your armor painting if you want to be authentic to ROTJ: When masking off your bigger damage areas on the green torso armor as well as the shoulders and knees, Lucasfilm did not layer all three layers like you are planning to do (silver, then light yellow, then green....for example). They layered silver straight into green (or yellow if you are doing shoulders and knees), and then brush painted the light yellow around the bigger damage spots that they had masked off. They only masked one layer, not two. That's how I did my own armor, because that's how the real suits were.

Jul 22, 2013

Spaar

Re: Special Edition ROTJ WIP

Man, that's really one kind of a great list! Amazing you've been able to put it together in just about two months :thumbsup I guess you've invested quite a few hours.
As I'm in the process of putting a ROTJ together too I'm sure this thread here is going to help me a lot!
So "Thanks a lot for posting!"

Jul 22, 2013

DeathProof

Re: Special Edition ROTJ WIP

Quote:

Mr Fett said:

I use resin shin tools. They are light enough, and since they're down by your ankles, I never really cared I don't have original Paterson tools, etc.

A tip on your armor painting if you want to be authentic to ROTJ: When masking off your bigger damage areas on the green torso armor as well as the shoulders and knees, Lucasfilm did not layer all three layers like you are planning to do (silver, then light yellow, then green....for example). They layered silver straight into green (or yellow if you are doing shoulders and knees), and then brush painted the light yellow around the bigger damage spots that they had masked off. They only masked one layer, not two. That's how I did my own armor, because that's how the real suits were.

Where did you get your resin shin tools from Mr. Fett?

I too will be doing your painting method for the armor. However, for the helmet, I may just do everything topical.

Jul 22, 2013

Wes7

Re: Special Edition ROTJ WIP

Quote:

DeathProof said:

Where did you get your resin shin tools from Mr. Fett?

I too will be doing your painting method for the armor. However, for the helmet, I may just do everything topical.

Some cheap resin sets pop up on eBay from time to time.

Jul 23, 2013

Mr Fett

Re: Special Edition ROTJ WIP

Mine came with my first set of armor from Mark Bradley back in 1999. They're one the last parts of the suit I've never upgraded. Never saw a pressing need to do so, as they are fine as is. LOL

Aug 1, 2013

pmalfonso

Re: Special Edition ROTJ WIP

Quote:

MrDickJones said:

Bobamaker weathered decals are amazing!! i have a resin beacon and so far it has worked out okay! Good luck on the build, look forward to seeing some pictures!
I actually just got a set of the raido shack push buttons today. the Mini 4-pack push buttons end up being too tall, but with some grinding and glue I think they can work out ok.

Thanks for the advice those BobaMaker weathered decals are sweet. Once I get the gauntlets I'll check The Shack for buttons and switches unless someone has exact parts already.

Quote:

DeathProof said:

As for a Voice Booster, some of the 501st from my local squad trust the Aker products, but I don't think you need the one you listed - having an FM radio coming out of your chest may not jive with the whole Fett thing... :) Try the 1505 or the 1506 if you wanna save $10.

I for one am going to forgo the balaclava - I think it would just get too hot in there. If you have long hair it may be a good idea, but anything to keep things cool and comfy is a big concern.

I was thinking about the 1700 for the USB/MP3 option, I figured for $6 I might find something fun to do with it (Entrance music or who knows), but you're right the 1505 would serve anyone just fine.

Quote:

Wes7 said:

Fettronics doesn't charge extra for you to customize your display sequence and thanks to RafalFett you can have a more accurate display than their basic ones.

Very cool, I added this above, thanks I've been trying to reach Fettronics with no luck lately :( Amazing how quick vendors come and go or just disappear for a while.

Awesome flicker in your siggy BTW

Quote:

Mr Fett said:

I use resin shin tools. They are light enough, and since they're down by your ankles, I never really cared I don't have original Paterson tools, etc. ....Some cheap resin sets pop up on eBay from time to time...

A tip on your armor painting if you want to be authentic to ROTJ: ... They only masked one layer, not two. That's how I did my own armor, because that's how the real suits were.

I'll probably keep poking around ebay as you suggest for some resin parts, thanks. About the paint layering: I'm guessing the paint looks more realistic if you layer from the inside up and that's why some people do it, although maybe mot really noticeable it you are better with a paint brush than me. Since I'm no artist with the (air) brush, I like the idea of using masking fluid so if I screw up it will be easier to fix than making a mistake with paint. But good advice either way.

Quote:

Spaar said:

Thanks a lot for posting!

Happy to share what others have already shared with me :)

Aug 1, 2013

Wes7

Re: Special Edition ROTJ WIP

You just might have to email him several times. He made my display just a few weeks ago!

Thanks btw! I'm glad people dig my work :)

Aug 1, 2013

Johnny Boy Fett

Re: Special Edition ROTJ WIP

Good luck to you Bro. Im Looking to start a SE ROTJ myself real soon. Following along!

Aug 8, 2013

pmalfonso

Re: Special Edition ROTJ WIP

I found a great video by the owner of Badger for those of us new to airbrushing or anyone looking for some basic tips about what to buy/use. I just bought a Masters $80 compressor and airbrush that I'm quite happy with so far, but I'm no pro at this so a basic setup was all I needed.

I added this up top as well.

Aug 20, 2013

pmalfonso

1 Attachment(s)

Re: Special Edition ROTJ WIP

Finished making the MoW boots pretty, now I just have to make them ugly.

Thanks for the advice those BobaMaker weathered decals are sweet. Once I get the gauntlets I'll check The Shack for buttons and switches unless someone has exact parts already.

I was thinking about the 1700 for the USB/MP3 option, I figured for $6 I might find something fun to do with it (Entrance music or who knows), but you're right the 1505 would serve anyone just fine.

Very cool, I added this above, thanks I've been trying to reach Fettronics with no luck lately :( Amazing how quick vendors come and go or just disappear for a while.

Awesome flicker in your siggy BTW

I'll probably keep poking around ebay as you suggest for some resin parts, thanks. About the paint layering: I'm guessing the paint looks more realistic if you layer from the inside up and that's why some people do it, although maybe mot really noticeable it you are better with a paint brush than me. Since I'm no artist with the (air) brush, I like the idea of using masking fluid so if I screw up it will be easier to fix than making a mistake with paint. But good advice either way.